Lions general manager Martin Mayhew said during the combine last month he was actively engaged in negotiations with nine of the team's 22 unrestricted free agents. Two of those nine have been re-signed.

Last week, it was offensive tackle Corey Hilliard.

On Wednesday, outside linebacker DeAndre Levy was signed to a three-year deal.

Terms were not immediately available.

Levy, who will turn 26 this month, is a four-year starter and the third-leading tackler last season (83). But not everybody was enamored with his play last season. ProFootballFocus.com ranked him 41st out of 43 outside linebackers who play in a 4-3 scheme.

Coach Jim Schwartz and general manager Martin Mayhew, though, have consistently praised Levy for his ability to close running lanes and his versatility. He started two years at middle linebacker and the last two on the outside.

The question now becomes whether the signing of Levy will impact the team's ability or desire to sign the other starting outside linebacker — Justin Durant, who is also a pending unrestricted free agent.

Durant was the second-leading tackler last season and ranked 18th by PFF among 4-3 outside linebackers. But it's been presumed the Lions wouldn't be able to re-sign Levy and Durant.